Rainy Day!

Man! what's up with the weather......I like it in a way ---It feels good to sleep and just watch movies all night. Anyways, i thought of blogging in since I'm really not doing anything right now but wait for my mom and my grandma to come over... I bought some shrimp for sinigang....( Filipino dish)... Been busy with our upcoming events this coming week and this coming June... Our next event is gonna be at St.Louis, MO.. And we are planning to rent a coach bus so everyone can just enjoy the trip. =) . The last time we rented one --it was so much fun.. I think Destiny was just 8 yrs old and we went to Atlanta Georgia and watched so many movies, talk and played some game. Last night my in laws and my nephew came over to have dinner. We watched Alvin the chipmunks... ( saw it twice already) lol... and I am Legend.... Lord willing this year -- they'll move in with us. I thank God that things are working out for my father in law and William right now. One of our family goal is to have our parents just work for us. It's better because not only we get to help them but also to be with them more. William and him get to do father and son bonding more and more. Just this past week, they been going out to lunch, dinner and sometimes he'll pick him up at work and they just go together to William's appointment. It so awesome to have a family business. I am thankful that we were also to get my mom stay home and watch our little one. Not only she get to spend time with her kids and grand kids but she's not as tired as she used to when she use to work at Meijer. Sometimes we get so scared for her 'coz she use this sharp machine at Deli. And I know even if don't hear her complain. We feel her. We know that her body is tired and she just wants to rest. We know that our parents are not getting younger and we just want to take care of them. And that's why we thank God so much for giving us the opportunity to have WFG business. Anyways, Destiny and I just got home. We went to kids birthday party ( bowling).She played two games and I ate free pizza...lolz... K --gotta go for now. My hubby is asking for a good massage right now..Hmmmm, we'll see...I'm kinda sleepy right now...ha ha ha ha.. Enjoy this weather...God Bless

Sunny Day!

Finally ---- I was able to take my little one 2 days in a row....

Saturday ----spend time alone with my hubby..... then late afternoon I took my grandma, mom, and my kids to the mall and also showed her our office in Schaumburg.......We also ate at Stir crazy ( he he he...) I was loving it....My sister was our server..... Not only I gave her a hard time ( with a big love of course) but with a good discount....lolz... BUT guess what she did --- she took $5.00 from me..... ( tip for her-she said )....oh no!!!! she got me...lolzzz.... Then we walked around the mall and bought some stuff for my grandma.. Kalea was enjoying watching the clowned making animal balloons...lolzzz

Sunday - We went to our home church -- great message today from Pastor Gerry....Also, had a wonderful fellowship with Sis.Connie, Pastor Gerry and Sis.Judy..... Again, I thank God for His love for us. HE knows what were going through right now and it's not easy but the only thing we can do is to continue to pray. I know that He has a big plan for each and everyone of us. Right after church, we went to mommy.. My mother dear and my father dear went for a date. Daddy took her shopping and got her some nice clothes from Express... How swet...lolzz.... My brother and Keeve came over and bought some steak to bbq. I took the kids to the park while waiting from mommy and daddy to get home... Keeve ( my nephew) wanted to go skateboarding and Des went biking... Sorry --didn't have my camera with me -- so I just took a couple of pictures of my lil one from my phone...lolzzz......As soon as my parents got home..... We bbq -and made some sago, fruit salad...man! i was full ---- there's my weekend..... hope u all had a blessed one =)

k --

http://picasaweb.google.com/SantosFamily2007/NiceDayWithMamang



( If u can't view the pics)..just go to my picasa web...tnx

Our Valentine's Day

Thank God for this special day that he has given us. Did'nt really expect to do anything today( since its weekday) and i thought my honey had an appointment to get his wisdom tooth pulled... But I didn't know that he had a plan of surprising me..Goodness! Right after work -- I was actually on the phone with him..I was walking to my truck and when I opened the door -- there! dozen of roses everywhere waiting for me... And there was no card/note .....I didn't know the whole time my honey was watching me...lolz.. Then he came knocking on my window and gave me the card... So silly! but very sweet...lolz.. then he asked me what i wanted to do..Really, I just wanted to relax.. so we went to the salon togehter and got some touch up ( my hair..color is fading away...lolz) ..... Then bought some stuff and we also surprized Des with her new bag ( that she's been wanting to buy for herself...)....so, what we did was ...we hang it on our door with a love letter from his dad...lolz.. sooo cute...... Man! she was screaming so loud... lolzz then just had a dinner....Anyyways, hope u all had wonderful time with your loved onez. =)

Our Time Alone

Ready for below zero???? Oh goodness! I love the snow but not below zero...Yikkeeess!

Okay let me get to the subject ...Time alone? Yup, I'm sure all of us do understand the meaning of time alone. Time alone with our Heavenly Father, Time alone with ourselves, quality time with our kiddies and time alone with our spouses. My hubby and I started to have our date night almost 4 years ago. When we got married, we had an agreement that we would try to go out at least once a month and we actually try to take turn of planning our dates even our wedding Anni. It's actually cool and fun coz it gives us time and opportunity to plan for each other. It's been actually tough for the past year only because we just had our youngest baby Kalea and it's just so hard for us to leave her all the time. We feel bad leaving our kids whenever we would go out but we had a heart to heart talk last year that we need to try our best to be consistent of our date night.. Like I said, at least once a month. So, this month it's actually my turn to plan but last night my hubby just felt like going out and had a taste for T-bone steak...lolzzz.. Thank God that I was still at my mom's house when he called. Kalea and I was actually on our way out to go home. So, when my mom overheard me that William wanted to go out.. She said just to go ahead. Thanks to my ever dearest Mom and Dad =) So, I went home and got ready.... I actually wanted to go watch this movie called "Fools Gold" but he wanted to just relax, have coffee and talk..He even asked me to turn off my cell phone.lolz..'Coz he caught me talking to Marge..lol. So, that's what we did.. We went to Denny's.( out of all restaurant). We pick Denny's..Why? I have no idea.lolz...It was relaxing, good coffee and had an awesome fun talk..lol... Then we went to pick up our little one. Then when we got home, we went over our goals and I'll try to blog that sometime this week.

Today, we went to Oak brook office to plan for the Local Event were having next week at Hilton Hotel in Lisle. Man! I missed all of our business partners from different offices. I feel like I haven't seen them for months. 'Coz we actually been busy running our own branch here in Schaumburg. But since the annual convention is coming up this March in Los Angeles, we've decided to go to Oak brook office every Saturday for the next 3 weeks. After Oak brook, my hubby and I had a lunch date at " Buca di beppo" Italian restaurant. YOU all have to go there and try their food.. It's soo delicioso!.. I mean --- I've been to so many Italian restaurants but this place is soo good.... The calamari there is so good.. Best calamari we've ever had. But let me just share you something that happened today before we had our lunch.. We were in the truck about to park, and we saw this lady from far away ( Single Mom) asking for money, homeless. We called her and gave her what we have. But before she left, she told us " My name is Mary, please pray for me and my kids." Oh, that feeling. That's why we can't take advantage of God's blessings to us. Because God is soo good. My husband and I looked at each other 'coz we wanted to invited her to eat with us but she was already gone. But we thank god for the opportunity, even for that one second. God is always with us.

Let me just leave you with this -- I know that many of you are already doing this but I guess it's okay to be reminded sometimes. Here you go....

Don't let your job or the kids or any work or time with friends and extended family interfere with your marriage.
Many couples today find that being married doesn't guarantee that they will have quality time with one another. If you are both busy,( just like me and my husband) you have to plan to spend time together. Here are some ideas ( and I'm sure some of you are already doing this). We just have to stay consistent. Right. =)

1) Schedule a weekend or weekdays just for the two of you. Write it on your calendar, put it on your computer planner, etc. Don't change it for any other event. You don't have to go anywhere or spend money. ( Some people would laugh because my husband used to have palm pilot but now he has this huge daily planner. ) Hey, at least I know we are on his schedule and he always keep his promise to have quality time for me, my kids and the rest of our families. =). I have small calendar & I also have reminder in my computer at work.

2)Have breakfast, lunch or dinner once a week

3)Let your children know that you need time alone together. Tell them that they can knock on your close door if its really URGENT. lolz. I remember telling this to my eldest daughter that " Mommy and Daddy needs to talk". Now, that doesn't work for her anymore 'coz she's almost 13.lolz.( U know what I mean) So, we have to try something else

4)Walk around the block together. ( I actually don't like walking but my husband loves to walk, so he try so hard to encourage me and it actually works. he he he) last summer, we did a lot of roller blading.

5)Do chores together ( like dishes).. We actually try to cook together. That's good too

6)When you are running errands together. Turn off the radio or cell phone and just drive and talk

7)Spend 20 minutes a day. ( Hmm, we try 10 or 15 minutes a day. ) I'm guilty coz I sometimes get caught up with house chores and forget about him. So, i have to remind myself that

8)When you travel together, don't take work on the plane or road trip. Spend that time talking with each other. ( I say this because my husband and i travel all the time) and it helps a lot. =)

Really the bottom line here is if you don't schedule time for one another, you won't have the time... Okay, hope this help

We thank you Lord for the love you have shown us, continue to give us the love, peace and joy in our lives. Continue to guide us Father. For all the things we have gone through, for all the things that we are about to go through, I pray that you will continue to keep our family complete. Guide us and protect us. Give us the patience for our differences. We love you Lord, In Jesus Name, Amen!


Nitey

D Magsingit Fam

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Roots - Free family tree template

The Santos look a like meter.. Happy Friday..lolz for fun!

Winter activity FUN 2008

Thanks for the snow! and thanks to my honey for coming out to give us some good cheer and also sled with us ( even if he doesn't feel good)Awwww... thanks again honey!....We can't wait to bring our little one Kalea. We miss her so much today...Hopefully next month ( when it's not too cold).....Will blog all the crazy fun things that happened today...lolzz..

Fun night with Hannah Montana

Picture from the left -- Hannah, Tamara, Matthew, Rachel, Desitiny, her classmates Radha and Julianne..

Will blog more later! Ciao

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hello friends, hope you all had a blessed 2007…

Let me just tell you how our Christmas went … as you can see in the picture – my dad was not with us. He had to go to California (last minute) due to family emergency. His younger brother was in the hospital (fighting colon cancer). We told him that he should go and be with his brother because he needed him most. Please include my Uncle Noel in your prayers.

24th - was crazy, stressing, sad but at the end --- It was all fun…. My mom, des, kai and myself were on our way to drive my dad to the airport and our plan was to drop off my dad then go last minute shopping. But guess what happened… my truck broke down on me on our way to the airport (and I can see the airport from the place where my car broke down)………….waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa =(Thank God! My brother’s work is not far from where we at… So, we called him and he picked up my dad, took him to the airport, and came back for us. We thought it was the gas but Nope! Still didn’t start… So, I called my friend Martin and he checked the truck to see what was wrong but still didn’t start…. The city towing truck came and took my truck to the O’Hare Impound… My truck had to stay there for half day because when I called our towing company …there was no driver available. Martin took us to my brother’s house and I had to call Hector (WFG) to pick us up and take us back home. Thanks to my dad and he offered for me to use his truck while his away. Got home around 5pm. I didn’t get to get ready anymore instead I did last minute errands. Came back home – pick up William, the kids, my nephew and my mom then we went to Chicago. Spent our Christmas Eve at my in-laws. Then we stopped by at my Aunt’s house. I had so much plan for that day but It didn’t happened but that’s okay because what important is I got to be with my loved ones. My hubby, my kids, my mom, my siblings, my in-laws and we did a lot of singing, dancing, laughing and joking around the whole time.

25th – we just went to my mom’s house. Ate lunch, watched movies, open gifts and we slept the whole day… We went back at night time already and ate again and watched movies again….ha ha ha

26th - back to work! --- My nephew stayed with us the whole time…

30th -- WELCOME HOME DAD! WE MISS YOU.......

NEW YEARS EVE!!!! ---- SNOWING -----------

31st – had to work for half day. Thank God! They let us go home early… I rented Filipino movies. Packed our clothes and went to Chicago. This year we stayed at my in-laws house…We were going to go to my Auntie Cely’s house but the weather was just really bad and I didn’t want to take Kalea out. So, we just stayed at my in-laws…. The kids played WII the whole time. Man! That game is crazy – destiny’s arm was sore the next day and William was sweating like crazy, and we watched one of the Tagalog movie…
Countdown --- we all came downstairs and waited for the countdown… and as soon 12 midnights hit. We pulled the string for the balloon dropped mixed with coins and ching! Ching! Lolz…it was so fun – sooo cute! Kalea woke up when we were doing the countdown and she went back to sleep right after…you could see that she just woke up from the picture…. After the countdown – everyone was doing his or her own little dance downstairs… My in-laws were doing their dance too.ha ha ha. Sooo cute…. Finally! We watched this scary Filipino movie around 2 AM and didn’t finished till 5… I couldn’t sleep because I wanted to finish the movie.ha ha ha. Everyone was up and watching too…. You can tell that we were too scared to go to sleep. Lolzz.

1st - woke up around 9am – my in-law brought Kalea to our bed and woke us up…coz we ended up sleeping in the living room with Mj, Des and Mikey … I just love sleeping there (only once in a blue moon. ok – lol). Breakfast was ready – again! They played WII for 5 hours… goodness! Finally -- -went home and ended our night with??????????????????????????????????????? Warm blanket and hot coffee……….thank you Lord for a wonderful time you have given us…. =)

More pictures =) http://picasaweb.google.com/SantosFamily2007/GOODBYE2007

Ciao!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Hope everyone had a BLESSED Christmas with their loved ones..... Here are some of our pictures to share ...It was a silent but joyful Christmas...( Again, i didnt get to download my pictures so I ran out of space...) but enough to share it with you.....
Will blog some later.....

Click the site below for more pictures =)

http://picasaweb.google.com/SantosFamily2007/Christmas2007

Pictures from Lolo and Lola's house

It was a great weekend..!! After picking up Destiny at her friends house and helping dad work on his car.. We went to Chicago and stayed at my in-laws house.. You can really tell that they were sooo excited...They prepared sooo much food for us...My mother in laws made some leche flan in the middle of the night.. We sang and dance all night..Kalea and Des was helping them put some ornaments to their tree.. You can really tell that kids do give sooo much joy in the house..... It was sooo nice...I miss those days that you just go to your parents house and they just take care of you and feed you all day..lol... When we woke up ( Sunday Morning)... fresh brewed coffee was ready with filipino fried rice, sausage and more food...Oh Lordy Lord!!!..We left Kai there that morning but we had to wait for my in-laws coz they also went to their hhome church ... We were teasing them that we'll be moving with them next month..lolz... My hubby and i talked about it that we're gonna try our best to stay there at least twice a month on Sat.night......Anyways, enjoy the pictures..




Ciao!

Genworth ( work) Christmas Party 2007

Morning! just sharing you the pictures we took last night from our company's Christmas Party... It was sooo fun. Except that my honey wasn't able to join us this year... He was supposed to go to San Jose California for meeting but he cancelled his flight on Friday morning and I coudn't change my RSVP anymore for two people.... But anyways, I had a great time with my co-workers this year... We chat, ate and dance together... Im not saying that I will not enjoy if my hubby was there but it's different because I was able to dance and chat with my co workers and some people from different department... Anyways, the dinner was good and I got home around 10...( still early..right..lol) ..And I also won the limbo dance... ( Wheeww! I thought I was gonna break my back...ha ha ha)... Anyways, I'll blog more later.. I have to help my hubby work on his car... We just dropped off Destiny to her friend's house..Their working on Christmas cards and their going to Retirement home.We were gonna go but we only have one car.. And we have to fix the other one..Just like Love said on her blog that it's so nice to know that our kids are slowly getting the true meaning of Christmas..Just couple of weeks ago my husband, Destiny and I are discussing that we have two people that are very close dearly to our hearts that we want to help not only this Christmas but Lords willing that we can help them every month. It maybe something small but anything is possible with God....
Okay---- I'll blog more later.... Enjoy the rest of your weekend... Here's the pix from last nite....



All Praises to you , O Lord!

Congrats to Ate Destiny

Congrats to my daughter Destiny for being part of the Newspaper staff Dec 2007 at her school...We love you Ate Des!!! Keep up the good work

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY KALEA! NOV.30, 2006

Happy Birthday Princess Kalea Star.. Born on November 30, 2006 at 4:39AM -- Northwest Community Hospital....Thank you Lord for our little Kalea.. She gives sooo much joy and love in our family.. Her sister Destiny loves her so much... We thank you Lord for our children....

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL! for coming to our Princess Kalea's 1st Magical Birthday Party.... Thank you all for the gifts, your presence, your calls/text, your help,support and prayers...... and to those of you that weren't able to make it....We missed you...

More pictures.... Click here http://picasaweb.google.com/SantosFamily2007/KaleaS1stMagicalBirthday


We love you all!

I thank you Lord!

I thought of blogging before I go to bed. I just want to give Praises and Thanks to Our Dear Father for HIS faithfulness. I thank you Lord for the opportunities you have give me to minister to others especially to my one and only brother. I had a wonderful talk with my brother today, Lord and I know that you were the one that speak to him. Thank yourd Lord for giving me that strenght and wisdom to talk to my brother. Lord you know that I have been praying for him and the rest of my family. What a wonderful feeling it gives me to be used by you God. Lord, my only prayer right now is that you continue to use me on a daily basis Father. I will continue to pray Lord that my family may find you and turn to you. That you are the only answer in their lives. Open their hearts Lord. I believe Lord that you changes people and you changes things. I pray Lord for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes. Thank you Lord that you are not leaving us on our own. You are always with us.I love you Lord! Goodnite.

This is my prayer Lord.
In your Name,
Char =)

Relaxing 4 days weekend =)

Wednesday night

We went to my in-laws house and had dinner there. We did nothing but laugh all night ‘coz the chocolate I was eating …It melt so fast in my mouth and I was talking and laughing at the same time and I didn’t realize that I was already drooling all over my honey’s polo shirt…. I thought that was funny…

Thursday

Aaaahh!!!! I can feel the winter already. Lolzz… Destiny went to our room early and played with Kai and they both jumped to our bed. It feels so good just to lay down all day with your loved ones. =) .The 3 of us shared what we were thankful for…it was so nice to hear all the blessings that God has given us… We all got ready.... We were planning to go to Richard Walker for brunch but I know that it was going to be too crowded so we ended up at IHOP. Stayed there till lunch… Late afternoon – Destiny wanted us to go to the hospital with Dad…So; we went to dr op him off. Went to meet his co workers and walked around at the Hospital… Dad needed to work one holiday. So he picked Thanksgiving…. So he can be with us Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day… We went home and add more Christmas Decorations…. Waiting for my family to pick us up… We had thanksgiving dinner at my cousin Eugene’s house… It feels so different..… I really felt God’s work in my families’ lives… I feel more comfortable with my dad’s side… I feel the love this time…. Thank you Lord!!!…
As soon as we got home… The kids and I put on our pajamas and went to pick up dad…. We watched the movie “ Nativity”. It’s a good movie to watch with your family…

Friday

I was planning to go shopping but my little one had a fever for 2 hours. I got so worried again. I laid hands all over her body and prayed… Thank God and her fever didn’t continue. But since I know that she wasn’t feeling well. I just decide to stay home with my kids. Thank God I did. It was sooo relaxing. Just eating, watching and play with them =) …

Saturday

Des and I did some Birthday shopping for Kalea…didn’t really do much today

Sunday

We dropped off Kai to mommy so she can get some more rest before we went to church… Today was different…. I really can’t type the detail but let me just say that God is so wonderful. He knows what were going through as a church. He knows that were hurting, were struggling and we need him… My hubby, bro.martin and sister marge ..We all ended up staying till 6pm. We just had heart to heart talk, great sharing from one another and at the end we held hands, and we all said our prayers. It was so powerful. We felt HIM. I know that He was there, comforting us, hugging us…I know that God knows our every tear. Thank you Lord for being so kind and the patience that you have given us. We lift everything up to you Lord. Just like what God told Moses that it wouldn’t be easy but He will be with him. I know that we all feel insecure at times. But we don’t have to depend on our own strength. Because God had promised to be with us, just as he was with Moses. When God asks us to do something, I know that HE will give us the ability and the resources to do it. Because ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD!

Our Thanksgiving 2007 PICTURES..

Good Morning Everyone,

Hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

Here's the picture for now... I will blog later today... Enjoy

Our Dad's 60th birthday Celebration

It's almost the end of the day.. Let me just do a short blog before I go home. i like to do it here at work. ( I like the computer..lolz)...

Friday

We just stayed home, ordered some food and rented some movies to watch. Didn't really do anything but just trying to prepare for this coming week. Destiny wanted me to check the mail cuz she was waiting for her report card... And yup! we got it... I just want to say " Congrats to Destiny".. She's in High Honor Roll for this semester... Keep up the Good Work Des! We are so proud of you =)

Saturday

Woke up early--- Went to Dunkin Donuts .. Bought some breakfast for my father in law and Vince.. They were trying to finish the office last Saturday ( should be done this week). After the office.. Will, the kids and I went to Oriental Buffet for lunch...And it's funny... First time, we actually gave Kai her plate and fork.. Oh goodness! she was sooo cute and excited that she made a big mess under the table... She ate so much that day...ha ha ha...
After lunch -- we went to Michael's to buy Destiny's project... And here I am so excited about putting my Christmas tree... I ended buying stuff for the house... Destiny wanted to do the bow for the tree.. So, I let her and didn't really turn out the way we want it to.. But we still used some of it and the rest will just use it for the gift.. But hey, I am so proud of her for even trying 'cuz I can't even do that myself..ha ha ha... I feel bad cuz It was also Lala
s 7th birthday and we didn't get to go.. Had to do so many things.. Plus my parents came over and brought some Popeye's for us...They didn't leave till 10:30PM.. So, it was too late for us to go.. Happy birthday La! We love you...

Sunday

Thanksgiving Celebration at church.. Pastor Renato and his family came ... We were so happy to see all of them there... We ordered Boston Market ( and I forgot to order sweet potatoes..sorry guyz)..

My family and I gave our dad a small gathering for his 60th birthday,..It was a sucess..Thanks to my brother, my sister, my mom and my daugther Des for helping me plan this birthday for my dad...We had a great time.. Some couldn't make it... Prior engagement, working and other parties...But what's important is ... To see the smile on my dad's face... I thank God for our dad.. He worked so hard to give us a good life.. I pray the Lord to continue to protect &blessed
him all the days of his life and that he may live a long healthy life.

Well, i gotta go now.. My hubby and my daugther are waiting for me .. Destiny has a parents conference meeting at 6:30 tonite.. I told my hubby that he doesn't have to go but so far hes the one that doesn't want to miss this... lolz.. He hasn't miss one so far... Oh well, i guess he also wants to hear and see whats going on at school... He probably doesn't want to hear it from me...lolz.. He knows that Im not detailed when it comes to telling story..... k.. vavoo.. God Bless You All!


Just click on my Picasaweb to see some pictures..

http://picasaweb.google.com/SantosFamily2007/DADDYS60THBDAYTHANKSGIVNGCELEBRATIONATCHURCH

Happy Thanksgiving!

Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself

2 Corinthians 12:9

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

The Thought

Do you really believe this verse? Do you really believe that God's power is most displayed, not in our strength, but in our weakness? Do you believe that His strength begins where yours ends? If so, do you live like it? Why do we spend our days trying desperately to bolster our strength and aptitude rather than desperately seeking God? We rely on coffee, vacations, and college degrees, while our Bibles sit on our shelves and our faith grows weak. As long as we try to be self-sufficient and self-reliant, we will never experience the joyful peace that comes from relying on Christ.

The Prayer
Lord, Forgive me for my pride that makes me act I don't need You. Jesus, I need Your grace for my every breath; teach me to rely on You for the strength to get through each day. Draw me to Your Word, push me to my knees, and bring me to the end of my rope so that I can fall into Your arms.

Seven Stages of the "Married Cold"

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called
"Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13

Some clever observer has described the way family members often drift
apart as "the seven stages of the married cold." The pattern can be
illustrated by tracing the reaction of a husband to his wife's cold
symptoms during seven years of marriage:

The first year-"Sugar Dumpling, I'm worried about my baby girl. You have
a bad sniffle, and there's no telling about these things with all this
strep around. I'm putting you in the hospital for a general checkup and
rest."

Year two-"Listen, Darling, I don't like the sound of that cough. I'll
bathe the kids and put them down. You just lie down while I get the car
nice and warm."

Year three-"Feeling a little punk are you, Hon? Maybe you'd better lie
down and rest. I'll bring you something to eat. Do we have any soup?"

Year four-"Look, Dear, be sensible. After you feed the kids and wash the
dishes, you'd better hit the sack."

Year five-"You don't sound so good. Why don't you get yourself a couple
of aspirin?"

Year six-"If you'd just gargle or something instead of sitting around
barking like a seal, I'd appreciate it!"

Year seven-"For Pete's sake, stop sneezing! What are you trying to do,
give me pneumonia?"

While we may smile at this imaginary degeneration of concern, it's all
too real in many marriage relationships. The pattern is in sharp
contrast with our text, which calls for daily encouragement that keeps
relationships warm and alive, rather than steady discouragement that can
only harden hearts.

It is important for you to make this atmosphere of support and
encouragement a foundation of your marriage. Marriage can rob your
relationship of intimacy and excitement. Why not decide today to find a
fresh way to encourage your spouse.


Discuss: Do the ways you and your mate express concern for each other's
troubles differ now from when you were first married? Are some of these
changes natural and appropriate? Do others foster isolation?

Pray: That the "dailiness" of family life and its increasing familiarity
will serve to draw your family closer instead of leading to
indifference.

Just an update over the weekend!

Morning everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend

Let me just blog before I get busy bee here at work..lolzz

Friday

--- After work I went home and got ready...So exciting.. .. Before we went to our dinner date -- we went and visit the kids first at mommy.. Awww! we felt so bad leaving Des and Kai -- but since Kai doesn't really understand anything yet.. We had to explain to Destiny that we are going out for a date that Mommy and Daddy need some time alone *wink*..lolzzz...
- We ended up at Chilis... My appetite change for some reason... ..William ended up ordering his One Full Slab BBQ Back Ribs and I ordered my combination of Tilapia and Shrimp with some veggies....Yup! it is different to go out like that without the kids... Don't get me wrong....We love and enjoy are kids but sometimes -- You need that date alone with your partner...You know what I mean.. lolzz--- I can finally be silly and do my thang with him...ha ha ha... Sooo funny! I dont need to be all detail about it here..Right... But yah! It was fun...Since -- it was his treat... I ordered some dessert...Hmmmmm... Delicioso =).--- Left around 10:30PM.. Usually -- we should be on our way home around this time... I really didn't want to go home yet... Can't think of anything else --- ended up at this Karaoke Place ( by streamwood).. Saw some old friends... It was this guy Eric and Mayb that told us about this.. Pretty nice and decent place... My honey didn't sing but I did... ha ha ha.. -- Hmmm -- it was getting pretty late so we decided to finally go home and get the kids.... Knowing me --- I stayed up till 4am...just being goofy..I had toooo much caffeeine... Coffee and Coke combined.. Oh goodness! We had sooo much fun that we didn't want the nite to end.... Well, since we've been planning to have our date twice a month.. We plan to take turns again just like our wedding anni.. so, we'll see if we follow through. lolzz.

Saturday

-- My poor honey -- got sick....Uh Oh! Mommy, what did u do? lol.. Daddy Will is not feeling well... So he just stayed home.. He didn't go to the meeting at all.. So, I had to do it and meet up with my team and take care of some suff, filing paperworks and clean up some stuff from the construction..... Our team are sooo sweet.. They all text William after the training and said that "He must be really sick" coz hes never absent unless theres a family emergency or hes really sick....Soo cute......Anyhooo, after the office -- I went to my mom's house to get some food to bring it to my hubby......... I went to sleep and woke up around 4PM.. Got ready to go to one of my frenz babys party at Chuckee Cheese... It was fun! Always fun coz I get to see and chat with my frenz.. lolz..
After the party -- we went to get some movies.. It was Destiny's turn to pick...She got " Meet the Robinsons and How to eat Fried Worms"... Then we went to get some Mexican Food... Yuummy! Went home, watch the movie, ate and prepared the Praise and Worship Song for the next day.....


Sunday

--- We woke up late.. Yikkes! Sorry Lord! no excuse...Got to church almost 10AM.. Thanks to Brother Martin -- He got there almost 9AM and he was almost done setting up the instrument.. Sis Irish had an emergency and didn't get to go to church... She had to be with Pastor Renato.. He ran out of medicine and started feeling numbness in his finger.. Please include him in your prayer..

It was a great service today -God is always good.... My sister Marge's prayer brought tears to my eyes. Bro.Gerry's sermon today was so good.... I know that God was there the whole time. God speak to his heart once again. I thank God everyday for using ordinary people like him. May God continue to give him the strenght and wisdom to preach HIS word.

We stayed at church till 3PM.----William wanted to have his coffee-- so before we went home -- we went to Dunkin Donuts and just hang out there.. Kalea was eating her munckins, William was having his Large French Vanilla coffee, Des was having her white chocolate and muah having my sweet Dunkanccino.....But man! I thought coffee would help me stay up. I was still sleepy -- I think because the weather was soo gloomy and i just wanted to stay in bed... -- Finally home sweet home.... We watched the other movies -- went to sleep at 5PM -- woke up around 630PM.. Cooked some dinner--- and around 10PM..Kids finally went to sleep and I made my TGIF drink ( Aileen's famous drink)...lolzz.. Yummy!!! ---- do you still want me to go on-- lolzz..--- It was a good night sleep again....... bwhahahahahhaahah... Sure both my hunny and I had fun... Great weekend!!! Thank you Lord for giving us this opportunity to relax, enjoy and reminisce.....

can't upload the photos here... just check out the photo on my site..also, sooo sorry -- not that much pictures taken over the weekend.. I have to download it still.. http://picasaweb.google.com/SantosFamily2007/Nov9And10

K -- gotta get back to work.... Enjoy the rest of your week and Keep them beautiful SMILEZ going.. =)

God Bless!

Just Breathe

November 1, 2007

By Melanie Chitwood


"It's useless to rise early and got to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:2 (MSG)


Devotion:

Many women today share a few common denominators: we're busy, we're tired, and we need some breathing room! We have jobs outside the home and in. Husbands need meals, romance, clean laundry, and more romance. Kids have play-dates, sports, church activities, and homework. We volunteer at the school, run carpools, clean the kitchen, walk the dog, do laundry, squeeze in a walk - and on and on our list continues. Whew!


Ladies, we cannot do it all. The good news is that we were never intended to do it all. Today you have permission to say "no." For some of us that comes easily. However, for many of us women, whom God designed to be givers and nurturers, this word does not come out of our mouths very easily.

Here's one practical way I've learned to say "no." I ask myself, What are my priorities? I have two levels of priorities. The first level includes God, my husband, my children, and the home front. This level is set in stone. The second level of priorities includes ministry, friends, and exercise, and this level of priorities has more variation for me. Taken together, these priorities are my compass, helping to guide me to a "yes" or "no" when considering adding another activity to my life.


Let's see how this works in real life. Last year I was asked to teach a women's Bible study at my church. Now, at first glance, this seems like an automatic "yes." After all, teaching Bible study is a good thing! However, I took the time to pray, and God very clearly showed me it was not the right time to add this commitment to my life. Looking back my family and I were incredibly busy last year in some ways I hadn't anticipated. I see clearly how saying "no" was the right answer at that time.



In a sense I have to give myself permission to say "no" because for most of my life I've said "yes" when deep down inside I've wanted to say "no." Here are two practical guidelines to help you learn how to say "no." First, if you immediately know you don't want to do something, just go ahead and turn it down by saying something such as, "Thank you so much for asking, but I just cannot make that commitment right now." The next guideline -- pray! If you're asked to do something and you really want more time to consider the situation, be honest by responding, "Let me take some time to pray and I'll give you an answer in a week." Then really pray and listen to God's leading!

Take a deep breath and say it aloud -- no. Now breathe again, sit down for ten minutes with a cup of coffee and enjoy the breathing room you've created for yourself.

Dear Lord, You show me by Your example of resting on the seventh day of creation that I, too, need rest. Show me your priorities for my life. I pray that they align with Your will for me. Help me to say no to the things that appear good but might take me away from the better choices You have for me. Lord, I pray that I will have breathing room in my life, times to be refreshed and moments of quiet closeness with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Simple but blessed Celebration

TAKEN AT THE OFFICE -- SURPRISE




CAKE MADE BY MY FATHER IN LAW




TAKEN AT CHURCH TODAY



Our last stop-- My friend from High School ( Marisel baby's first bday)

Don't give up

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. --Jeremiah 29:11

Don't give up.....

One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.
I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".
"I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others."
He said.
"The bamboo had different Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?"
I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!


Heavens door opened this morning, God asked me... My CHILD...
what can I do for you?" and I said "Protect and bless the one reading this message.
God smiled and answered ... "request granted ............


This message is now in your hands.
What will YOU do with it?

send this to family and friends so that they too will have their
lives in God's hands
You never know when GOD is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them to !!!!!!!!

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday! – Yup! that's what I love about my best friend. When she tell her story ( very detailed.. Man! I tell yah and I love it.. ) and here I am totally opposite of my dear best friend. It’s hard for me to be detailed. Lol… But don't worry I’ll get to the story. Hmmmm, I think.

I really didn’t do much this weekend but another family gathering at my Uncle’s house. It was nice. I sang all night with my sister and ate soooo much food. So that was fun. While my brother and my dad doing their own thing outside with the rest of the guyz

Sunday – Right after church Love and her family went to meet up with us at my mom’s house to drop off some fresh veggies from their garden. She said more to come. So looking forward to that. =) …

Been busy bee re-doing stuff at the office… Yesterday was fun because I was singing for good one hour and dancing while moving stuff. Destiny at first was getting annoyed because I was being so loud (singing and dancing) but later on she started being goofy too and we did our Praise and Worship together….They both know how I am and I guess you can say that's one of the reason my hubby fell in love with me..hahahah..The funny part was when we were at wal-mart. I was singing while buying some stuff and people were just looking at me and I thought William was gonna stop me but no can do and joined me instead..hahahha Hmmm for some of you, you all know I am. You know I can be sooooo hyper and can't stop me especially if I'm in the mood… lolzz. We didn’t really finish last night ‘coz we had to pick up Kai… But before we went home. We went to blockbuster to rent some movies. It was my honey’s turn to pick movie this time then we had dinner at my parent’s house. Yiikkees! My sister caught me wearing her shirt so she chased me around…. lolz. I just love having her as my cute little sister…

Finally – Home sweet home – we started our Give Up the Past With a Spiritual Worry/Change Jar…
This is something that we talked about yesterday as a family…something to start in our home…. Isaiah 43:18, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Whenever we dwell on negative things from the past, we place our small note here (or however much we can afford) in the jar. And we will continually ask God to change our heart, mind and feelings toward the past. We will give God the glory for changing the way we think about the past. And we will ask God to help us avoid worrying about the future, too.


We also started our Table Talk but I’ll talk about that later… Right now – must get back to work. My boss is about to come and yiikess – I don’t’ want to get in trouble now…

Pictures --Uhhmm just go to my http://picasaweb.google.com/SantosFamily2007
( more pictures later..still have to upload it... )

Okay – Enjoy your day now with a BIG BIG SMILE =)

I am walking for GINA LOBELLO on Oct. 14

Hi,

I'm writing to you to ask for your support in a very special cause.

This year, I'll be taking part in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes along with a half-million other walkers across the country. I am walking for my friend's daughter Gina Lobello. Gina was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes last year just shy of her 2nd birthday. Our goal: To raise $90 million to help fund research for a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, is a devastating, often deadly disease that affects millions of people--a large and growing percentage of them children.

Many people think type 1 diabetes can be controlled by insulin. While insulin does keep people with type 1 diabetes alive, it is NOT a cure. Aside from the daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, there are many severe, often fatal, complications caused by the disease.

That's the bad news... and yes, it's pretty bad.

The good news, though, is that a cure for type 1 diabetes is within reach. In fact, JDRF funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research to date. And JDRF funds a major portion of all type 1 diabetes research worldwide, more than any other charity.

I'm writing to ask for your support because now more than ever, EACH of us can be a part of bringing about a cure. Each of us can make a real difference

Won't you please give to JDRF as generously as you're able?

Together, we can make the cure a reality.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you this day

Charisma Santos

Please visit my Walk Web page if you would like to donate online or see how close I am to reaching my personal goal:

http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=86759964 ">

Pictures from this weekend and last weekend - Enjoy =)

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters

The Verse
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
Psalm 23:1-2a

The Thought
God is the God of comfort. He is our hiding place, our Rock and Refuge, our shelter in storms, our protection in trial. He is waiting to shelter us under His wing, hold us in His arms, and surround us with His love. In fire and water, He is there. In the trials that always come our way, He is there. When God allows things into our lives to refine us through fire and bring us to Himself, He is still there with us through the testing. But how do we find this comfort in adversity? For many of us, we have not felt the touch of God in tragedy. What is wrong? I think that our problem is not that God is not here, for we know that He is always here. Our problem is that we aren't letting Him do what He wants to. Our worry is not just what God wants to remove; our worry is what is keeping God from giving us peace. Worry can be defined as a lack of faith in God. Trust Him- He knows what He is doing. Seek after Him- that's what He wants you to do. Love Him- He wants you to experience His love. And about all, pray. Pray, pray, pray. The worse life gets, the more you need to pray.

The Prayer
Holy Spirit, Restore my soul. You are the only One who can give me peace when the world falls apart. Rain down on me Your soothing comfort; lead me beside still waters. Let me rest in the assurance of Your promises, and be satisfied and content in Your love.

Be Blessed! Be Encouraged!

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you all had a safe and blessed 4th of July celebration with your loved ones. We were actually plannning to go downtown to watch fireworks but we decided not to-- 2 reasons -- had to take care so many things before we leave next week and we also heard that it was gonna rain..

This morning - i cooked some breakfast - did laundry then went to my in-laws house for bbq and goodness -- It's been awhile since we spent our 4th of July in Chicago. Fireworks everywhere! as in every block -- there was fireworks.. Then William and I left for couple of hours to go the wake. One of our business partners, Diane Cinardi.. She's like a mom to all of us. Her mom passed away Sunday night. She's a wonderful lady - full of life. Now, she's in a better place with Our Heavenly Father. Please include them in your prayers.

Then we went back to my in laws house and I think today was the first day again that I saw William and his younger brother- Mikey talked for hours.. So, when I noticed them talking outside -- I kinda left them alone. God is so good! You can see that their parents are so happy to see them again like that..

I didn't get to see my parents today. My mom had to work and my dad was doing some remodeling at home. That's why in a way -- Lords willing-- to have our own house this year -- So, I can just have everyone at my house.. he he he... We love it that our family always have gatherings but sometimes it's so hard to go back and forth or we have to do half /half.. lolzz. I think we've been doing this for the past 8 yrs.. he he he.. Oh! actually my Aunt ( from my dad side) called us today to also stop by at their house for bbq but we told them that my inlaws already invited us.. I kinda feel bad that we weren't able to go.. Like I said -- Lords willing -- once we have our house -- then I can just have everyone over...Yiiipppee! Well, this is for now ---- again --- visit us at http://www.walk2remember.com/-- We also have our blog there...

Nitey! Vavoossskkki!

Char